A Peep into Toorkisthhan eBook

grounds for the outrage, beyond the helplessness of
her situation and the natural cupidity of the robber
chief of the fort; but, unfortunately, we were travelling
without credentials, the Envoy having declined to
furnish us, lest the inhabitants should fancy that
we were vested with any political power; and therefore
we could not interfere, and what became of her I know
not, though we were afterwards told that on her resigning
her trinkets as her ransom she would be released.
Indeed the personal ornaments of the petty chiefs
are generally the point of some lawless proceeding
like the one alluded to, as they are seldom possessed
of sufficient capital in specie to purchase jewels,
but exchange their grain and fruits for clothes and
precious stones. I have mentioned the above circumstance
to give the reader some notion of the lawless state
of society, deeming it out of keeping with the humble
character of this simple narrative, and perhaps beyond
the ability of the writer, to enter more minutely
into the various causes which have contributed to bring
the country into so unhappy a state.

CHAPTER VIII.

On the 4th July our route lay across the Dundun Shikkun.
Kotul, or “tooth-breaking pass,” and a
truly formidable one it is for beasts of burden, especially
the declivity on the northern side. Very few
venture upon the descent without dismounting, for the
surface of the rock is so smooth and slippery, that
the animals can with difficulty keep their legs even
when led, and many teeth, both of man and horse, have
been broken before reaching the bottom.

The valley of K[=a]mmurd lying at the foot of the
northern side of the pass has a very fertile appearance,
and orchards of different descriptions of fruit-trees
are interspersed throughout the cultivation.
The fort of the principal chief, named Uzzuttoollah
Beg, from whom we received a visit, is high up the
valley, and there are two others of minor importance
on either bank of the river, lower down and together.

Uzzuttoollah Beg was in appearance a very fine old
man with an imposing white beard; he was six feet
high, large boned and muscular, and by far the most
powerful and stately looking personage we had hitherto
met; but he was a shrewd wicked old fellow, and when
the star of British prosperity began to wane, proved
himself a dangerous enemy. His own vassals, from
whom he exacted the strictest obedience, stood in
great awe of him. He came merely, he said, to
pay his respects, to chat over political affairs,
and to inquire from us whether the English intended
giving up his valley to the Meer Walli of Koollum.
We could give him no information as to the intentions
of Government. “Khoob (well,)” answered
he, “if such really be the case, the Meer Walli
may seize me if he is able, provided you keep
aloof; the Meer has tried that game before now, but
did not succeed; on two separate occasions he has
visited my fort in an unceremonious manner, and with